Lincoln City 2 (the Imps) faced neighbouring rivals, Nottingham Knights, in this week’s East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 2 game (04/11/12). With Vic Adams injured, Megan Samways moved to Wing Defence (WD), Zoe Cooper to Centre (C) and Bethan Sullivan started at Wing Attack (WA). It was a close first quarter as the Imps strove for all five points. The defensive duo of Lizzie Saywell and Jade Houlton fought hard to claim the majority of the rebounds, with Saywell also producing a fine interception during the first fifteen minutes. The first quarter ended with Knights just edging it, 11-13. Charlotte Bayes came on at Wing Attack (WA) after the break and created some great movement and feeds into Lincoln City 2’s attack. She dodged her player several times to receive the ball in the attacking third and provide the attack with an option on the edge. Unfortunately, the Imps lost two centre passes in a row during this quarter though, which resulted in the team going behind by five goals. The gap opened up further to a six-goal deficit at one point but Lincoln City 2 managed to claw their way back into the game and ended the quarter just two goals shy. Nottingham Knights led 22-24. The third quarter saw Bethan Sullivan move to Centre (C) as the Imps experimented with their centre court options, whilst Nottingham Knights changed their attack as they tried to open up their lead once more. Lincoln City 2’s defenders stood firm though and their marking was excellent, rarely being pulled up for contact infringements. Lincoln City 2 continued to work hard and keep the opposition at bay but as the third quarter drew to a close, Nottingham Knights had managed to open up a slight lead. The quarter ended 29-35. Charlotte Bayes moved to Goal Shooter (GS) and Laura Forsey came on at Centre (C), as the Imps changed their system for the final fifteen minutes. Defenders Lizzie Saywell and Jade Houlton battled hard to control Knights’ Goal Shooter (GS), whilst also keeping their Goal Attack (GA) out of the ‘D.’ However, it was little avail. Nottingham Knight’s shooting was excellent and what had been a close game thus far turned into a cruel defeat as the Imps simply ran out of steam. The final score was Lincoln City 2 (Imps) 34-52 Nottingham Knights. Lincoln City 2’s Player of the Match went to Jade Houlton, who was voted the best player by Nottingham Knights’ Captain. She defended well throughout the game, made many successful rebounds and regularly kept Nottingham Knight’s Goal Attack (GA) out of the circle.